[There is a time and a place to point out that a good friend does not always make a good spokesperson, and Eric has enough tact to recognize that this really isn't either of those. He chooses his next words carefully, his hand continuing to rest on Thranduil's as he does.]
...you will wear yourself into the ground if you do not allow yourself the time away. [His ice blue eyes meet Thranduil's for a long moment, before he speaks again.] Is Nuada truly your only option of appointments, in this situation?
[Eric shakes his head.] Legolas and Tauriel are not the only others on the ship. Are they the only others you would trust in such a position?
[He pauses, for a moment, gathering his thoughts.] He has asked to speak with me, Nuada. Regarding what specifically I cannot say, although it does involve our topic at hand.
We will agree on it because it is the truth. [He meets Thranduil's eyes steadily.] Even despite Nuada's recent mistakes, that does not change the fact that you need a break. Even you should see that.
Thranduil. [Eric's voice is firm and steady, his hand moving to take his bondsmate's in his at the note of panic he is getting off of the other.] We will fix this. I can speak to Nuada, if you would have me. I would do almost anything you would have me. Not as your regent, but as your bondsmate. That is why I am here, is it not?
You are his king. Sometimes, it is not about what you say to him, but about you yourself. Advice, as told from one equal to another. If he understands that it is not his own reputation on the line, but yours, he will stand a better chance of making better decisions. [Maybe.]
By Him. [The capital H is nearly audible. He is not talking about Nuada. His shaking is becoming more violent, his voice more unstable. Angry, frightened, hopeless.] By my people. By the passengers. By the Valar. By myself, it does not matter. I fall short; how I am counted is splitting hairs.
[Eric's hands are gentle but firm when he reaches out to put one hand on each shoulder to steady him.]
Your people love you. The passengers are idiots. He does not matter. [Eric looks him in the eye.] You sell yourself short. You are better than you give yourself credit. But you are weary. After everything you have been through lately, you need a respite. And you will not get that by stressing yourself out about Nuada and his loose tongue.
[Eric is careful not to let himself get frustrated with Thranduil's words like he might once have done. He keeps his hands resting on Thranduil's arms as he knees in front of where he sits, meeting his eyes as best he can.]
You have not failed him. You have not failed anyone. You are strong, even despite what has happened to you. Even if you do not think that you are. Even if you do not see it. [Eric does. How the hell else would Thranduil still be sitting here, speaking to him? Sure he has had his setbacks but he is still there, and he is fighting it, and Eric is determined to see him through it. He will not lose another bond, especially not one as close as this, he will not.]
Nuada is foolhardy, but even he will swallow his pride and do what is best for you. He has his honor, and you are his king. I will speak with him.
Nuada is not foolhardy. Arrogant, yes, but I knew this when I named him. And yet...whoever I named, I had to be willing to sacrifice. This is the fate of kings who become fathers, perhaps. I do not know if I am a fool or blinded by love.
[Eric understands why Thranduil makes the decisions that he does, regarding Thranduil and his desire to protect him. He may not have children but he has Sired. Pam is not here, he does not have to worry about her, but he understands.]
Neither. You are doing your best to protect that which is most important to you. Nuada would not have accepted if he were not willing to serve you and your purpose.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
action
...you will wear yourself into the ground if you do not allow yourself the time away. [His ice blue eyes meet Thranduil's for a long moment, before he speaks again.] Is Nuada truly your only option of appointments, in this situation?
action
action
[He pauses, for a moment, gathering his thoughts.] He has asked to speak with me, Nuada. Regarding what specifically I cannot say, although it does involve our topic at hand.
action
[He takes two deep breaths at the news.]
You both...will agree that I should not yet return to power.
action
action
action
action
action
action
[But Eric seems to have made him calmer. But calm brings him on the other end of despair. Melkor's work in him was masterful.]
And why would it make him behave any differently? We are not equals, Eric. He has no reason to respect my reputation.
action
He respects you more than you realize. He values you, your opinion, and your reputation. He will listen. Do not sell yourself short.
action
action
action
action
Your people love you. The passengers are idiots. He does not matter. [Eric looks him in the eye.] You sell yourself short. You are better than you give yourself credit. But you are weary. After everything you have been through lately, you need a respite. And you will not get that by stressing yourself out about Nuada and his loose tongue.
action
action
You have not failed him. You have not failed anyone. You are strong, even despite what has happened to you. Even if you do not think that you are. Even if you do not see it. [Eric does. How the hell else would Thranduil still be sitting here, speaking to him? Sure he has had his setbacks but he is still there, and he is fighting it, and Eric is determined to see him through it. He will not lose another bond, especially not one as close as this, he will not.]
Nuada is foolhardy, but even he will swallow his pride and do what is best for you. He has his honor, and you are his king. I will speak with him.
action
action
Neither. You are doing your best to protect that which is most important to you. Nuada would not have accepted if he were not willing to serve you and your purpose.